Sorry for the long delay – it has been a really rough couple of months. We had a house fire to deal with – no one was hurt; but it was a huge hassle. Then a car accident that totaled my car and then I injured my foot and am in a boot for at least 6 weeks. It's kind of zapped my creative energy and my time. I am hoping to get some time over the next few months to finish up this story.

E

Meg looked at the clock again and decided to stop fooling herself. She was not going to fall back asleep. It was only 4:30 AM, she and Mike were planning on going to the courthouse when they opened at 9:00 AM; he wouldn't be here to pick her up for another 4 hours. But, she'd been laying in bed trying to convince herself to go back to sleep for over an hour; it was time to admit it was not gonna happen.

Meg climbed out of bed and started changing her sheets. She and Mike had decided they would come back to the house after the wedding rather than going to a hotel. After all, after this morning, this is where they would be living. Meg had bought new satin sheets for their wedding night; or more accurately their wedding afternoon.

When she finished making the bed, she carried her sheets out to the washing machine and started a load of laundry. She went into the kitchen and started the coffee pot. She opened the fridge looking at breakfast options, but closed it deciding her stomach was too nervous to eat. Maybe she'd be better off going for a run. Meg thought about that for a few minutes. It would definitely help deal with the nervous energy.

Meg walked back into her bedroom and looked at her mother's wedding dress. She couldn't help the sigh that escaped her lips. She was glad she'd cancelled the big wedding on Saturday, but she couldn't help but wish she had arranged for Ainsley to be with her this morning; being totally alone wasn't any fun either.

Meg turned away from the dress and moved to grab her running gear. A good five or ten mile run would help kill some time and elevate her mood. She figured she'd run along the beach, watch the sunrise.

E

Ainsley sat down on the bed to catch her breath. Moving around was proving to be harder than she thought it was going to be. A coughing spasm had her reaching for a handkerchief, she grimaced at the black phlegm that came up from the coughing. She was surprised the men of Station 51 managed to do this all the time. She knew they had protective equipment; but she also knew there were times they weren't wearing their masks.

She stood back up and moved back toward the closet to find her shoes.

"What do you think you're doing young lady?" Dr. Morton asked, coming into her room.

"Getting ready to go to Meg and Mike's wedding," Ainsley said, bending over to pick up her shoes.

"Would you talk some sense it your wife," Dr. Morton said, looking at Johnny, as he walked into the room.

"He's right, Ainsley. You can't go to the wedding like that," Johnny said, looking at his wife's smoke stained clothing.

"Johnny," Ainsley turned to him, ready for a fight.

"That's why I brought you a dress, and stuff to clean up and fix your hair and make-up," Johnny said, holding up an overnight bag and garment bag.

"You did," Ainsley smiled.

"Johnny, you can't honestly expect…," Dr. Morton started.

"I'll be there, Roy will be there, even Dixie and Dr. Brackett are planning on showing up," Johnny said. He looked over at Dr. Morton. "You're not gonna keep her here. At least this way, she'll do what I tell her without fighting me."

"You are such a smart man," Ainsley said, pulling a hair brush out of the overnight bag and beginning to brush her hair.

"I'm getting to know you pretty well, Mrs. Gage."

"Does Dr. Brackett know about this?" Dr. Morton asked.

"I cleared it with him before I left the house this morning," Johnny confirmed.

Dr. Morton walked out of the room.

Ainsley turned to Johnny, slipping her arms around her husband's neck. "I love you."

Ainsley leaned in close and lightly kissed Johnny's lips. He slipped his hand behind her head and pulled her closer to deepen their kiss. Ainsley pulled back after several seconds and took a deep breath. "You take my breath away," she whispered, as she sat down on the bed.

"I guess you're not quite ready for that yet," Johnny said, sitting down next to her.

"It's worth it," Ainsley smiled at him. "Between fighting over stupid stuff, my injuries from the fall and now this, I feel like we haven't been together in forever," Ainsley said, letting her fingers caress Johnny's thigh.

Johnny let himself enjoy the sensation.

"As soon as you feel better," Johnny said. "In the meantime, we need to get you ready for Meg's big day."

Johnny helped Ainsley dress, knowing it wouldn't be long until Dr. Morton was back trying to convince Ainsley not to leave the hospital. Johnny had stopped by the pediatric unit on his way in and checked on Grace. The little girl seemed to be completely recovered from her adventure the day before; but Johnny was glad Dr. Brackett and Dixie were both coming to the wedding for an expert opinion on her progress.

Ainsley stepped into the bathroom to finish putting on her make-up as Dr. Brackett and Dr. Morton entered the room.

"Kel, I still don't think this is a good idea," Dr. Morton was saying as they entered the room.

"It's not my first choice either," Dr. Brackett said. "But, Johnny's right, she's not going to stay no matter what we try to say so we might as well work with her to keep her as compliant as possible."

"She was getting her shoes on when I walked in before," Dr. Morton confirmed.

"This way, she'll be feeling grateful toward Johnny for helping her make the wedding and will be more obedient."

"It's the only way," Johnny agreed.

"You know I can hear you right?" Ainsley asked from the bathroom.

Ainsley stepped out of the bathroom and Johnny smiled at her. "You look lovely," he said, letting his gaze sweep over his wife. She was still a little thin from the issues she'd been facing with the security team and then her injuries when he'd accidently broken her nose; but she was still the prettiest woman he'd ever seen.

Ainsley slipped her arms around Johnny's waist. "You are the most wonderful man. I love you so much."

Dr. Brackett smiled at them. "Now, Ainsley, I expect that you will do absolutely everything Johnny tells you to do. And I want to see you back here first thing tomorrow morning so I can check your progress," Dr. Brackett said, his arms crossed across his chest.

"Yes, Doctor," Ainsley said.

"I've never seen her so compliant," Dr. Brackett laughed, looking over at Johnny.

"I'm learning how to get my way," Johnny joked, as he led Ainsley toward the door.

E

Meg stepped out of the shower and put on her robe. The run had helped; but she was still a little sad she hadn't asked Ainsley to be with her this morning. She'd tried to call, but no one had answered; no one had told her about the accident and she had no idea Ainsley had been in the hospital.

A knock at her door had Meg tightening her robe and moving toward the door. "Who is it?"

"Ainsley, Johnny and Grace," Johnny said.

Meg opened the door. "Oh, I'm so glad you're here!" Meg opened the door and threw her arms around Ainsley.

"I'm glad you're happy. I didn't want to intrude; but…," Ainsley started.

"No, you're not intruding, this is perfect!"

"I thought maybe I can help you get ready and then Johnny and I can drive you to the courthouse. I know Mike was going to pick you up; but technically this is your wedding day and he shouldn't see you before the wedding," Ainsley said.

"I love that idea. Will you call Mike and tell him?" Meg asked, looking at Johnny.

"Yep, that will give me something to do while you ladies are worrying about hair and make-up," Johnny said, moving over to the phone.

"Where's Hunter?" Meg asked.

"With Joanne and Roy," Ainsley said, but she chose not to tell Meg why. She didn't want her thinking about the attacks on her wedding day.

Ainsley and Meg retreated to her bedroom to help Meg finish getting ready for the wedding ceremony.

E

"Here comes the bride," Ainsley sang, as she walked down the hall of Meg's house.

Johnny let out a low whistle as he stood up from the couch and watched Meg walk toward him. "Mike is one lucky guy."

Meg blushed.

Johnny checked his watch. "And you're ready in enough time for me to get you to the courthouse without breaking any speed laws."

Meg laughed. "Thanks to your wife. I'd still be fussing with my hair if it wasn't for her."

"Hand me your keys, I lock up for you while you ladies head toward the Rover."

Ainsley let Meg have the front seat and climbed into the back with Grace. She had just finished strapping in the little girl when Johnny slid into the driver's seat. "Let's get you to your wedding," he said.

E

Mike stood at the sink finishing his glass of orange juice. He rinsed out the glass and reached for the sponge to clean the glass.

"Just leave it, Mike. I'll clean it while you finish getting ready."

Mike turned to look at Beth. "Thanks for breakfast; it was delicious."

Beth had made a breakfast fit for a king. Eggs, bacon, sausage, French toast, fresh squeezed orange juice. Mike couldn't believe how much he'd eaten. He had thought he might be too nervous to eat until he'd sat down at the table. The food had smelled almost as good as it tasted.

"You're gonna need your strength today," Captain Stanley said. He was sitting at the kitchen table finishing his cup of coffee and enjoyed the redness that creeped up his Engineer's face at his teasing comment.

"Hank," Beth looked at him feigning a stern look.

"Oh, come on, you know that's why you made it."

"Maybe I was thinking you'd need your strength later," Beth teased, as she moved to sit on her husband's lap. "Weddings are very romantic."

Hank sat down his coffee cup and wrapped his arms around his wife's waist. "You can leave the room now, Mike."

Mike laughed as he stepped out of the kitchen and headed the room he was using to put on his dress uniform.

Beth dropped her head to kiss her husband. He ran his hand up her spine and let his fingers entwine in her hair to hold her in the kiss for a few more seconds. "Are the girl's going to be home this afternoon," he asked, his voice husky with desire.

Beth merely shook her head.

Hank pulled her head down for another kiss. It was going to be a very good day, he thought.

E

Joanne paused in the doorway to the bedroom and watched Roy straighten his collar. He looked so good in his dress uniform.

She moved across the room when he turned from the mirror to look at her, wrapping her arms around his waist. "You look quite dapper," she whispered, breathing in the scent of his aftershave.

"You don't look too bad yourself," Roy said, dropping his head to give his wife a quick kiss.

Joanne placed her hands on Roy's chest. "Maybe we can trade off kids with Johnny and Ainsley this afternoon. We'll keep all four for a couple of hours and then they can keep them for a couple of hours."

Roy took in the mischievous look in his wife's eyes. "Let's make that a few hours," he said, letting his hand slide from her lower back to cup her butt and pressed her against him.

"What is it about weddings that make you just feel all romantic," Joanne wondered aloud.

"You want romance too," Roy teased.

"You look so good in that uniform I could have my way with you right here and now," Joanne teased.

"Lock the door," Roy whispered, dropping his head for a deep, longing kiss.

"Mom," Jennifer called from the bottom of the stairs. "Hunter's done eating."

"Too late," Joanne said, taking a reluctant step back from her husband.

"Definitely a trade off," Roy called out to his wife's retreating back, as she headed out of the room.

E

Marco waited for Chet to park his van and the two of them moved toward the other members of Station 51 that were already waiting on the sidewalk.

"Mike looks nervous," Marco observed.

"He's signing away his freedom; I'd be terrified," Chet joked.

Marco laughed, but he was really happy for Mike and he knew Chet was too. They were going to be the only two left that were single. Marco looked over at Chet, surely he'd get married before Chet did, he thought.

Marco paused for a minute and looked a little closer at his partner. Chet looked like he'd been working out, he was definitely bigger in the chest and shoulders. His normally unruly curly hair was slicked back and more of a wave than a curl for the wedding and his suit looked new. Chet had seemed different lately, Marco thought. Is it possible he has a girl, Marco wondered?

"What?" Chet asked, as Marco continued to watch him.

"Nothin'," Marco said, picking up the pace slightly to get to the rest of the group.

"How ya feelin', Mike?" Chet asked, as they joined the group.

"Great," Mike said, and everyone laughed.

"What?" Mike said defensively.

Marco, Chet, Roy and Captain Stanley all pulled flasks from their inside suit coat pockets and offered them to Mike.

Joanne and Beth laughed.

"Do I look that nervous," Mike said, eyeing all the proffered alcohol.

"Yes," everyone answered in unison.

"Whiskey," Roy said.

"Scotch," Marco offered.

"Vodka, no smell," Chet smiled.

"Simple man," Captain Stanley said. "I brought beer."

"Just like Johnny's wedding," Mike said, reaching for Captain Stanley's flask.

"Only this time I made him put it in a flask rather than just carrying a six-pack," Beth said.

"Whatdya bring for Meg?" Mike asked, looking at Joanne.

"Women don't need alcohol to get down the aisle," Beth said.

Mike raised an eyebrow.

"Ainsley's got that covered," Joanne laughed.

"I said we don't need it," Beth said, with laughter in her eyes. "I didn't say we didn't want it."

The guys laughed.

"There's Johnny's Rover. C'mon, Mike. Let's get you inside so you don't see your bride until it's time," Captain Stanley turned Mike toward the Courthouse.

Mike raised his hand acknowledging his parents and sister as they diverted from walking toward him and moved toward where Johnny was parking.

"Here," Ainsley slipped a sippy cup up to Meg.

Meg took the cup and held it.

"Drink it," Ainsley said.

"What?"

"I knew Mike's family would be here and if they see you taking a drink out of a sippy cup they'll just think it's juice."

"What is it?" Meg eyed the cup suspiciously.

"White wine; Chardonnay to be exact."

"My favorite," Meg smiled and she lifted the cup to her lips.

"Just make sure you drink it all so I don't accidently give that to either of my kids," Johnny said, eyeing the sippy cup.

"No problem," Meg said, lowering the empty glass. "It's a good thing Ainsley got me to eat that bagel though or this could have been a very bad idea."

They all laughed and got out of the car. Johnny leaned in the back to get Grace while Ainsley and Meg moved to greet Mike's family.

E

"The judge is ready for you now."

"You guys go ahead, I'll get Meg and Ainsley," Joanne moved down the hall where Ainsley was keeping Meg so Mike wouldn't see her.

"They're heading in now," Joanne said, as she turned the corner. Meg was pacing in a small contained area.

"Ready?" Ainsley looked over at Meg. She couldn't help the small bit of worry she felt that Meg would panic at the last minute.

"Absolutely," Meg smiled and leaned over to grab the small bouquet she would carry.

The moved down the hall toward the Judge's Chambers.

Meg stood in front of the door while Ainsley moved to open the door so Mike would see Meg when the door opened.

Mike looked up as he heard the door open and felt his breath catch in his throat. Meg was beautiful. She smiled at him and began to walk into the room. It wasn't a very big room and it only took a few seconds until she was close enough for him to reach out and touch her. He took her arm and pulled her close to him. He couldn't take his eyes off her.

Dixie watched as Mike's mom dabbed at her eyes. His dad was grinning ear to ear and his sister looked so happy. Dixie knew some of Meg's past and couldn't be happier that she was finally going to have a family again. Dixie knew what it was to be without a family. As an only child, she'd been on her own for years since her parents had already passed on. She couldn't imagine what it would be like to finally be part of a family again.

Dr. Brackett reached over and rested his hand on top of hers. She looked up at smiled at him. They'd tried to make a relationship work once; but it just didn't take off for them; but every once in a while Dixie wondered if they should try again.

Kel couldn't resist removing his hand from hers and slipping his arm over her shoulders and tugging her closer to him. He hadn't managed to make Dixie a big enough priority in the past to build their relationship toward something permanent; but she was still incredibly important to him and if he was being honest the rare times he let himself imagine being married, Dixie was always the woman he saw as his wife.

Kel felt Dixie relax against him. He let his gaze sweep across the room. The Judge was going through traditional vows and all eyes were on Mike and Meg; but he saw Johnny absent-mindedly running his fingers into Ainsley's hair. She was leaning into him, Hunter on her lap and Grace resting in Johnny's other arm. They made a nice looking family, he thought.

He turned his attention to Roy and Joanne. Chris and Jennifer sat next to them, quietly watching the ceremony; but Kel saw that Roy kept looking at Joanne and she would occasionally turn her eyes to meet his gaze. They shared a smile and Kel could see the love they still had for each other.

Hank and Beth were sitting directly next to him and Dixie so he couldn't see their faces as well; but he lowered his gaze to watch as Beth lazily ran her finger up and down her husband's leg. Hank's hand was resting on her thigh and it was obvious they still had a very close connection even after many years of marriage. If these men managed to have loving marriages despite their career choice maybe there was hope for him yet, he thought.

"I do."

Kel turned his attention back to Mike and Meg as Mike declared his willingness to enter into marriage.

"Meg, do you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, as long as you both shall live?"

"I do," Meg said, her smile lighting her face.

"Then with the power vested in me by the State of California, I now pronounce you man and wife, you may kiss your bride," the Judge said, as he closed the book he'd been reading from and took a step back.

Mike cupped Meg's face with his hands and pulled her into their first kiss as husband and wife. Chris and Jennifer started clapping and soon the adults joined in.

Kel stood up and offered his hand to Dixie. They waited as Meg and Mike exited the room followed by his parents and sister, the men of Station 51 and their family following behind. Dixie and Kel brought up the rear.

"Congratulations, Mike," Kel said, putting his hand on the young man's shoulder.

"Thanks, Doc," Mike looked over at Meg, grinning like a fool.

"You made a lovely bride," Kel said, taking her hand and leaning forward to give her a kiss on the cheek.

"Thank you," Meg said, barely taking her eyes off her new husband.

Kel laughed and moved over to allow Mike's mom to take a few more pictures of the newlyweds.

"Wanna grab lunch before we head back to the hospital?" He asked Dixie.

She smiled her answer and let him lead her toward his car.

"Ready to get out of here?" Mike asked Meg, the promises of what the honeymoon would bring giving his completion a faint red tint.

"Definitely," Meg said, her cheeks blushing pink.

"We'll see you guys in a week," Mike said, grabbing Meg's hand and turning toward his truck. He couldn't wait to get Meg home and enjoy all the benefits of being her husband.